At a glance: Central Sifnos, the island’s capital since 1836, built amphitheatrically across three hills roughly halfway between the port and the coast. Around 5 kilometres from Kamares and 3 kilometres from Kastro. The largest village on the island and its natural hub for shops, restaurants and nightlife. Best suited to travellers who want to be central, with easy bus connections to villages and beaches across Sifnos.
Is Apollonia worth visiting
Apollonia has been the capital of Sifnos since 1836, taking over from the older fortified village of Kastro, and it wears that role comfortably as the island’s largest and busiest settlement. Its name comes from an ancient temple of Apollo once thought to have stood on the site of the church of Panagia Ouranofora, and today the village spreads across three hills, its narrow stone paved streets lined with whitewashed arches, colourful flowers and a steady flow of cafes, tavernas and shops. It suits travellers who want to be at the centre of things, with Sifnos’s bus network radiating out from here to the beaches and villages beyond.
Highlights
- The Steno, Apollonia’s narrow central walkway, lined with tavernas, bars and shops and the liveliest spot in the village after dark
- The Folklore Museum of Sifnos, in Heroon Square, with textiles, costumes, weaponry and paintings from the island’s traditional life
- The churches of Agios Spyridonas, Panagia Ouranofora and Agios Ioannis, scattered through the old lanes
- Sunday revithada, the island’s slow baked chickpea stew, traditionally cooked overnight in wood fired ovens
- Easy bus connections to villages and beaches right across the island, radiating out from Apollonia’s central square
The capital that succeeded Kastro
Apollonia became the capital of Sifnos in 1836, when the island’s administrative centre moved from the old fortified hilltop of Kastro to this more central location, also known locally as Stavri, a name thought to come from the Greek word for crossroads. Its own name reaches back further, to an ancient temple of Apollo believed to have stood on the site now occupied by the church of Panagia Ouranofora. Built across three hills rather than a single settlement, Apollonia grew into the island’s largest village, and its narrow central walkway, the Steno, remains the social heart of Sifnos each evening, filled with tavernas serving the island’s traditional dishes, including the wood fired chickpea stew served every Sunday.
Where Apollonia is
Getting to Apollonia
From Kamares port: Apollonia is about 5 kilometres away, around 10 minutes by car, taxi or bus.
From Kastro: Around 3 kilometres, roughly 10 minutes by car or taxi.
From Artemonas: Around 1.5 kilometres, an easy 15 to 20 minute walk or a couple of minutes by car.
By bus: Apollonia is the main hub for the island’s bus network, with regular services fanning out to villages and beaches across Sifnos. Check current routes and times on the Sifnos bus timetable.
By car or taxi: See getting around Sifnos and Sifnos taxi for prices and booking details.
Arriving on Sifnos: For ferry routes and journey times to the island, start with how to get to Sifnos.
Where to eat
Apollonia has the widest choice of restaurants on Sifnos, concentrated along the Steno and spreading through the surrounding lanes, from simple tavernas to pastry shops and more polished dining rooms. Sunday brings revithada, the island’s slow baked chickpea stew, onto menus across the village.
Where to stay
Apollonia suits travellers who want to be central, with the island’s main bus hub and the widest choice of restaurants and shops on Sifnos. For a private villa with a pool elsewhere on the island, see Sifnos villas with a private pool.
Beaches near Apollonia
Apollonia sits inland across three hills with no beach of its own. Kamares Beach, around 5 kilometres away at the port, is the closest option, with buses running regularly between the two.
Best time to visit
June and September offer the most comfortable balance of good weather and fewer crowds, with calm seas for exploring the island’s beaches from Apollonia’s central base. Evenings are when the village is at its liveliest, with the Steno filling up as the light fades and restaurants set out their tables.
How do I get from Kamares to Apollonia?
About 5 kilometres, around 10 minutes by car, taxi or bus.
Why is Apollonia the capital of Sifnos?
It took over the role from Kastro in 1836, growing into the island’s largest village thanks to its central location across three hills.
What is the Steno in Apollonia?
The village’s narrow central walkway, lined with tavernas, bars and shops, and the liveliest part of Apollonia after dark.
Is there a beach in Apollonia?
No. Apollonia is an inland hub village. Kamares Beach, around 5 kilometres away at the port, is the closest option.
